Flexible pipe-coupling or flexible pipe.



L. F.. BERRY. FLEXIBLEPLPE couPLmG on FLEXIBLE mf.

APPLICATION rLLE 1AN.3|. wn.

Pwd Feb. 5, 1918.

E. F. BERRY'.-

IFLIEXI-BLE PIPE COUPLING 0R FLEXIBLE'PIPE..

' lwvucmmn man 1m31. 19u.

Y mmm M. 5,1918` 2 SHEETS-SHEET z.

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:1 E ERan'cIs EERRY, or REW oRiLEs, Lonis l specification of Letters raten-t.

EEERIELE PEPE-courriers oR FLEXIBLE PIRE.

Patented Feb.. 5, tml

.application lel January 31, 1917. Serial No. 145,659.

To all wlwm, t may concern:

Be it known that ll, EDWARD F. BERRY,` citizen of the United States, residing at New Orleans, in theparish of Urleans and State of Louisiana, have invented certain new and useful llmprovements in Flexible Pipe-Couplings or Flexible Pipes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

rllhis invention relates to improvements in flexible pipe couplings adapted for use either in connecting relatively long sections of pipe or for use in closely related series to provide a relatively lexible pipe, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. from the more speciic disclosure of the invention hereinafter contained.

A- primary object of the invention is tc provide a coupling permitting within the limits of the device relative longitudinal movement or play and relative lateral de- Flection of the adjoining members of the coupling, and parts vediately associated therewith, while preferably maintaining a sealed relation of the coupling members.

The preferred embodiment of the invention embraces coupling members associated with flexible sealing instrumentalities, permitting a movable association of the coupling members, but adapted in one position to seal the joint when the dow through the pipe or coupling is under pressure behind. the same, and in another position to correspondingly seal the joint when the How is induced by suction in advance of the same.

Heretofore in flexible joints of the general character here suggested, a dexible sealing\ flap or ring has bcen'used between the coacting metal or equivalent members of the coupling, the sealing action being effected by the preure of the liquid passing through the pipe or coupling against the flexible packing resulting in the expanding or thrusting of the packing against the cou pling member freely related thereto. However, in such a device, where the How is induced by suction there is a tendency to compress or draw the flexible packing away from said relatively free member of the coupling and thereby open or expose the space between ythe coupling members and odering opportunity for leakage or impaired service.

llt is to improve this condition that the present invention has been devised.

'lhe above stated preferred embodiment of the invention more specifically, comprises the .coperating coupling members interiitted for a relative longitudinal movement or play, means for limiting such movement in both directions while at the same time permitting a Vrocking or lateral deflection thereof, in combination with a sealing device carried by one of the coupling members having a free flexible flap, conveniently of cylindrical formation adapted to be inter-- posed between oppositely disposed contact surfaces on the other coupling member so that under the action of pressure and suction the exible flap will expand or contract, as the case may be, to create a Selling engagement with one or the other of said contact surfaces.

All of the foregoing will be clear from the specific description hereinafter submitted when read in connection with the accompanying vdrawings forming part hereof, wherein the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

ln the drawings- Figure 1 is an elevation of a flexible pipe composed of a number of associated flexible coupling units enabling the flexing of the pipe to almost any degree or shape to meet all ordinary conditions confronting its service, while always maintaining a sealed con#` dition. v

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through a part of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the action of the Hexible sealing member under suction; and,

Fig. 4l is a similar view showing the action of the same member under pressure.

Referring more specifically to the drawings wherein like reference letters refer to corresponding parts in the several views, A represents the series of couplings immediately associated to form the flexible pipe,

although it will be instantly appreciated that the Hexible joint per se may beutilized in connecting relatively long or relatively rigid pipe sections together. llnasmuch as these A, pipe couplings are the same in construction throughout, it will sutlice to only describe one of them specifically herein, and

with this in mind lB and C represent the ad* joining members of a Hexible pipe coupling, the former being enlarged as represented at D by daring the metal'outwardly from the reduced end E, the diameter of whichlatter is'the normal diameter of the piping, the same as the size of the inner end F of the member C that is adapted to proj ect into the enlarged end D. As will be readily understood the end D of the coupling member B may be connected to an ordinary pipe extension or may. directly extend into the enlarged end portion D of an adjacent coupling, and-'similarly the end F of the couphng member C may be connected-to an ordinary-length of iping or may be in turn merged into an enrged end portion D to .constitute the coperating member of another ilexible joint, all in keeping with the for which the device at hand is to At a point approximately the inner end of l the enlarged portion D, and intermediate of the same and the reducing end portion E, I fasten a relatively rigid ring L through the medium of rivets or equivalent devices M passing through one edge portion of the andthememberB,thisringLbeing deslrably of metal the same as all of the parts of the device save the pacln'ng to be presently discussed, and .separated from the enlarged-end portion D to provide an intervening space N.-

O is a packing member, to which I have alluded, the same comprising a heavy disk of rubber fabric, reinforced if desired, sleeved upon the end F of the coupling member C and between clamping rings P and Q threaded upon the complemental threaded exterior of the end portion F, the ring Q being in turn locked against escape by a locking screw R passing therethrough into lmpmging relation with said end portion F. The edge of thepacking disk O merges luto an offset reducedl iiexible cylindrical portion or iiap S adapted to give outwardly or inwardly in keeping with the iniuence exerted. thereon by the action of the flow within the piping, and with reference to the inner contact surface T of the enlarged portion D and the outer contact surface 1 of the ring L.

The clamping ring P has a rounded or convexed surface U adapted to engagethev bearing surface I of the ring H in the outermost limit of movement of the coupling.

member C in the coupling member B to permit a rocking play or deection of the couv pling members to permit the members toassume angular relation as will be obvious.

To limit the inward movement of the coupling member C with reference to the coupling member B, while permitting lateral rockin or deiection of the coupling members, provide a stop-ring V threaded or riveted upon and secured in desired position to the member C at a point beyond the end of the enlarged portion D of the cou ling member B, this stop-rin V in turn ing rovided with a rounde or convexed surace W to contact and act with the bearing J of the stop-ring H- similarly to the action of the surfaces Uland I just described.

From the'foregoing description it will be seen that the two coupling members B and C have a free longitudinal or telescopic movement within the limits defined by the adjustment of the various parts, while at the same time the members are always free to assume an angular relation with respect to each other; and irrespective of the position of the coupling members there will always be a. sealed relation therebetween by means of the flexible sealing or packing ring Yor member S, it bein apparent that when the iiow through the piping is in the direction of the arrowwith pressure behind the liquid, the internal pressure will cause the annular iiap or tongue Sto expand into an extensive surface engagement wlth the contact surface T of the enlarged portion D ofthe coupling member B, and on the other hand,`when the flow is induced by suction in advance of the liquid, the member S is drawn into surface enga ement with the contact surface l of the ring L and thereby correspondingly seals vthe space between the coupling members.

While I have herein disclosed one special embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that theinvention is capable of embodiment in other forms and devices without departing from the spirit thereof and as may be in keeping with the scope of the hereto appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is:

1. Aflexible coupling of the character described comprising sealed interiitting members having coperating bearing sur aces to constitute a ball joint, and said members being formed to permit telescopic movement of said members without breaking thesealed relation thereof, substantially as described.

2. A flexible coupling of the. character described comprising two interiittin tele, scopic members each having opposite y disposed bearing surfaces adapted to constitutey recaer/v having cooperating bearing surfaces to conformed to permit telescopic movement of said members in combination with a packing member for sealing lthe space between the coupling members irrespective of the position of said members telescopically or on the ball joint.

4. A flexible coupling of the character described comprising intertting members, a flexible packing carried by the inner member having an extensive free portion adapted to contact with the outer member to create a sealing engagement while permitting longitudinal and lateral movements of the members, and a stop on the inner member adapted toengage a cooperating stop onv the cuter member to limit the inward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, the stop portions having complemental bearing surfaces permitting relative rocking movements of the interlitting members when said stop portions are in contact.

5. A liexible coupling of the character described comprising interfitting members, a-

flexible packing carried by the inner member having an extensive free portion adapted to contact with the outer member to create a sealing engagement while permitting longitudinal and lateral movements of the members, and a stop on the inner member adapted to engage a cooperating stop von the outer member to limit the inward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, in combination with another stop portion en the inner member cooperating with said stop portion on the outer member for limiting the outward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, the stop portions having complemental bearing surfaces permitting relative rocking movements of the interittmg members when said stop portions are in contact.

6. A flexible coupling of the character described comprising interfitting members, a packing member on one of said members having an extensive free portion adapted to engage the other of saidl members to maintain sealing engagement while permitting relative longitudinal and lateral movements of said members, and stop portions for limiting the inward and outward movements of said members with reference to each other, and a contact portion carried by one ofthe members and spaced therefrom to permit the free portion of the packing member to occupy the space therebetween, substantially as and for the purpose described.

7. A flexible coupling of the character deting lon itudinal and lateral movements of the mem ers, and a stop on the inner member adapted to engage a coperating stop on the outer member to limit the inward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, and a contact portion carried by one .of the members and spaced therefrom to permit the free portion of the packing member to occupy the space therebetween, substantially as and for the purpose described. f

8. A flexible coupling of the character described comprising interfitting members, a flexible packing carried by the inner member having an extensive free portion adapted to contact with the outer member to create a sealing engagement while permitting longitudinal and lateral movements of the members, and a stop on the inner member adapted to engage a coperating stop on the outer member to limit the inward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, in combinationl with another stop portion on the inner member coperating with said stop portion on the outer member for limiting the outward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, and a Contact 'portion carried'iby one of the members and spaced therefrom to permit the free portion of the packing member to occupy the space therebetween, substantially as and for the purpose described,

9. A flexible coupling of the character ,described comprising interitting members, a flexible packing carried by the inner member having an extensive free portion adapted to contact with the outer member to create a sealing engagement while permitting longitudinal and lateral movements of the members, and a stop on the inner member adapted to enga e a coperating stop on theouter member toglimit the inward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, the stop portions having complemental bearing surfaces permitting relative rocking movements of the intertting members when said stop portions are in contact, and a contact portion carried by one ofthe members and spaced therefrom -to permit the free portion of the packing member to occupy the space therebetween, substantially as and for the purpose described.

10. A flexible coupling' of the character described comprising interftting members,

outer member, in combination with anotherl stop portion on the inner member coperating with said stop portion on the outer member for limiting the outward movement of the inner member with reference to the outer member, the stop portions having complemental bearing surfaces permitting relative rocking movements of the interitting members when saidstop portions are in contact, anda contact portion carried by one of the members and spaced therefrom to permit the free portion of the packing member to occupy the space therebetween, substantially as and for -the purpose described.

A coupling comprising interlittin members, the outer member being provide with an annularJ contact device spaced from the interior thereof to afford oppositely disposed contact surfaces,and the inner member carrying a packing having a free portion introduced between said contact surfaces and adapted to create a sealing engagement therewith, the one under pressure and the other under suction. Y

14. A coupling comprising interfitting members, one hav'ing oppositely disposed contact surfaces and the other carrying a sealing member adapted to engage one of said contact surfaces under'pressure and the lother under suction, and means permitting relative longitudinal movement of the interttingmembers, while constantly maintaining the sealing means in operative relation to its coperating contactsurfaces.

15.l A coupling comprising interfittin members, one having longitudinallydispose contact surfaces and the other carrym a iexible packing member having an exten ed longitudinally disposed free portion adapted to create sealing engagement with one of said contact surfaces under pressure, and with the other of said contact surfaces under suction, and means permitting relative longitudinal movement of the interfitting members, while constantly maintaining the sealing means in operative relation to its cooperating contact surfaces.

16. A coupling comprising intertting members, the outer member being provided with an annular contact device spaced from the interior thereof to afford oppositely disnasser? posed contact surfaces, and the inner member carrying a packing having a free portion introduced between said Vcontact surfaces and adapted to create a sealing engagement therewith, the one under pressure and the other under suction, and means permitting relative longitudinal movement of the interlitting members, while constantly `maintainin the sealing means in operative relation to its coperating contact surfaces.

17. A coupling comprising interfitting members, one having oppositely disposed contact surfaces and the other carrying a sealing member adapted to engage one of said contact surfaces under pressure and the other under suction, and means permitting relative lon 'tudinal and 'lateral movement of the inter tting members, while constantly maintaining the sealing means in operative relation to 1ts coperating contact surfaces.

18. A coupling comprising interfitting members, one having longitudinally disposed contact surfaces and the other carrying a iexible packing member having an extended longitudinally disposed free portion adapted to create sealing enga ement with one of said contact surfaces un er pressure, and

with the other of said contact surfaces under suction, and means permitting relative longitudinal and lateral movement of the interfitting members, while constantly maintaining the sealing means in operative relation to its coperating contact surfaces.

A19. A coupling comprising interitting members, the outer member being provide with an annular contact device spaced from the interior thereof to afford 'oppositely dis* posed contact surfaces, and the inner memnber carrying a packing having a free portion introduced between said contact surfaces and adaptedto create a sealing engagement therewith, the one under pressure an the other under suction, and means permitting relative longitudinal and lateral movement of the interiitting members,- while constantly maintaining the sealing means'in operative relation to its coperating contact surfaces.

20. A iiexible coupling of the character described comprising interfitting members having coperating bearing surfaces to constitute a ball joint, and said members being formed to permit telescopic movement of said members, in combination with a packing member for sealing the space between the coupling members irrespectlve of the p0- sition of said members telescopically or on the ball joint, said packing member being carried by one of the couplin members and.

having a partl freely relate to the other coupling member adapted to be 'sealed by pressure within the coupling.

21. A flexible coupling ofthe character described comprising interlitting members having coperating bearing surfaces to conintertting members arran each other and a longitudinal notata? stitute a ball joint, and said members being formed to permit telescopic movement of said members, in' combination with a packing member for sealing the space between the coupling members irrespective of the po-l said other member for creating a similar seal by suction on the interior of the coupling.

22. A pipe coupling having intertting members, and packing instrumentalities interposed therebetween adapted under pressure within the coupling to create a sealing engagement, and also under suction within the coupling to create a similar sealing engagement, substantially as described'.

23. A exi'ble pipe coupling comprising sealed interitting members arranged tor a relatively free lateral play with reference to each other and a longitudinal play one over the other without breaking the sealed relation thereof, in combination with coact- 1 ng surfaces adapted to constitute ay ball joint. 1n one position of the parts, substantially as described.

24. A Henible pipe coupling comprising intertting members arranged for a relatlvely free lateral play with reference to each other'and a longitudinal play one over the other, in. combination with coacting surlaces adapted to constitute separate ball joints, respectively,` acting' in opposite positions of the arts.

25. A` Hemble pipe couplin lcomprising gedg tor. a relatlvely tree lateral play with reference to play one over the other, in combination with coacting surfaces adapted to constitute a ball joint m one position otv the parts, in combination with paeking'means tor sealing the joint notwithstandingI the t t gposi'tions ot the mem- 26. A Henible pipe coupling comprising interttting members arranged for a relatively free lateral play with reference to each other and a longitudinal play one over the other, in combination with coacting surfaces adapted to constitute separate ball joints, respectively, acting in opposite positions `of the parts, in combination with packing means for sealing the joint notwithstanding the varying positions of the members.

2'?. A flexible pipe coupling comprising interfitting members arranged for a relatively free lateral play with reference to each other and a longitudinal play one over the other, in combination with coacting surfaces, adapted to constitute a ball joint in one position of the parts, in comblnation with packing means for sealing the jolnt notwithstanding the varying positions of the members, said packing means having relatively free portions and means coperatmg therewith for forcing said free portions into sealing engagement under pressure and suction within the coupling.

28. A flexible pipe coupling comprlsing intertitting members arranged for a relatively free lateral play with reference to each other and a longitudinal play one over the other, in combination with coacting surfaces adapted to constitute separate ball joints, respectively, acting in opposite positions of the arts, in combination with packing means or sealingl the joint notwithstanding the varying 4positions of the members, sald pac'kin l means having relatively tree portions, an means cooperating therewith for forcing said free portionsinto Sealing engagement under pressure and suction Withln the coupling.

lin testimony whereof l hereunto ama my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

EDWARD IFRANClS BERRY.

Witnesses:

Mnnr Emu,-

Fnm Som. 

